PENNSAUKEN, NJ — Puratos US, a global bakery ingredients leader, hosted its second Fruit Experience in New Jersey, offering attendees an opportunity to deepen their understanding of fruit growing, sourcing, and processing and explore consumer food trends.
The first event occurred last year in Michigan, focusing on the cherry supply chain. This year, the Fruit Experience centered on apples, the leading fruit flavor in baked goods.
“Our commitment to Food Innovation for Good and sustainability drives our operations at Puratos,” said Jessica Blondeel, Puratos’ product director for sweet goods. “By collaborating closely with farmers and optimizing all aspects of fruit sourcing, we enhance ingredient quality while contributing to a sustainable food system.”
Attendees learned about the challenges that come with sourcing fruit for commercial bakery applications such as how using second-quality fruit — marked by minor blemishes or size discrepancies — reduces food waste and enhances supply chain value. They also covered optimal contracting times for fruit filling and tasted Puratos’ latest range of fruit fillings. Additionally, the event included an orchard tour and insights from “Taste Tomorrow,” the ingredients supplier’s consumer research platform.
Puratos hosts other Fruit Experiences around the world in countries such as Canada, Mexico and Belgium. Earlier this year, the company marked the 10th anniversary of its Sourdough Library with the opening of the Sourdough Institute.
